Seven out of 10 Pennsylvania voters oppose a proposal by Gov. Ed Rendell to allow counties to
raise the sales tax by one percent and keep the revenue for local government, according to a
Quinnipiac University poll released today.

Opposition statewide is 69 - 28 percent and is consistent in Philadelphia and Allegheny
County, where the sales tax could rise to eight percent, and in the rest of the state, where sales
taxes could rise to seven percent. Opposition to the measure is 72 - 25 percent among
Republicans, 62 - 34 percent among Democrats and 73 - 25 percent among independent voters,
the independent Quinnipiac (KWIN uh-pe-ack) University poll finds.

Voters do support 67 - 28 percent Gov. Rendell's proposal to increase cigarette taxes 10
cents a pack, with solid support among every group. And voters back 62 - 34 percent Rendell's
plan to legalize video poker machines in bars, using the money for tuition assistance at state and
community colleges. Again, there is support across the political spectrum.

Voters split 42 - 43 percent in their approval of Rendell's handling of the state budget and
give him a negative 42 - 47 percent approval for the way he is handling the economy.

"Pennsylvania's weak economy takes a toll on Gov. Rendell, who gets a negative score
for the way he is handling the economy," said Clay F. Richards, assistant director of the
Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.

"But voters split right down the middle in their approval of the way Rendell is handling his new
budget," Richards added.

"On his specific proposals, they reject overwhelmingly the idea of giving local
governments the right to raise the sales tax while embracing his proposals for a cigarette tax and
allowing state taxed video poker machines in bars and private clubs. His plan for a big cut in state
jobs also gets a sharply divided opinion."

"Pennsylvania voters are sharply divided over whether Sen. Arlen Specter should be
reelected next year, with Republicans almost as negative as Democrats, probably because the GOP
Senator is one of only three from the party supporting President Barack Obama's Stimulus
Package," Richards said.

"But Specter always has been politically controversial and has needed votes from both
parties to stay in office."

From February 4 - 9, Quinnipiac University surveyed 1,490 Pennsylvania voters with a
margin of error of +/- 2.5 percentage points.

The Quinnipiac University Poll, directed by Douglas Schwartz, Ph.D., conducts public
opinion surveys in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, Ohio and the
nation as a public service and for research.

1. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Ed Rendell is handling his job as
Governor?

TREND: In general, how satisfied are you with the way things are going in
Pennsylvania today? Are you very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat
dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied? (*also combined sat=46% 10/05/2005)

40. Governor Rendell wants to increase the tax on cigarettes 10 cents a pack.
Do you support or oppose this proposal?

Feb 11 Mar 28
2009 2007
Support 67 71
Oppose 28 24
DK/NA 4 5

23. Governor Rendell wants to legalize video poker machines in bars and private
clubs and use the money generated for tuition assistance at state and community
colleges in Pennsylvania. Do you support or oppose this proposal?

24. Governor Rendell wants to let counties raise the sales tax one percent and
keep the revenues for local government. This would be a maximum of 7 percent
sales tax statewide, except for Allegheny and Philadelphia counties which would
be a maximum of 8 percent sales tax. Do you support or oppose this proposal?